Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-vdxz6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T13:35:25.219Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Effects of Contamination on Biological Monitoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Cynthia L. Kleinegger*
Affiliation:
Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
Dennis L. Yeager
Affiliation:
Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
Judith K. Huling
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
David R. Drake
Affiliation:
Dows Institute for Dental Research, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
*
S356 DSB, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1001.

Abstract

We investigated the frequency and patterns of biological-monitoring–test contamination and the effect of contamination on the growth of test organisms. Overall, the contamination rate was 0.81%, but the rate of contamination varied significantly by sterilization method. Contamination did not appear to inhibit growth of test organisms.

Type
Concise Communication
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2001

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Molinari, JA, Gleason, MJ, Merchant, VA. Sixteen years of experience with sterilization monitoring. Compend Contin Educ Dent 1994;15:1422–1424, 14261428.Google ScholarPubMed
2.Andres, MT, Tejerina, JM, Fierro, JF. Reliability of biologic indicators in a mail-return sterilization-monitoring service: a review of 3 years. Quintessence Int 1995;26:865870.Google Scholar
3.McErlane, B, Rosebush, WJ, Waterfield, JD. Assessment of the effectiveness of dental sterilizers using biological monitors. J Can Dent Assoc 1992;58:481483.Google ScholarPubMed
4.Messieha, N, Rosen, S, Beck, FM. Evaluation of sterilization monitoring for dental offices in Ohio. Ohio Dent J 1990;64:813.Google ScholarPubMed
5.Scoville, JR JrFalse negative interpretation of biologic indicators or the importance of using two biologic indicator test strips. Compend Contin Educ Dent 1994;15:1472–147.Google ScholarPubMed
6.Kassebaum, DK, Greer, RO JrMcDowell, JD. Sterilization monitoring. J Colo Dent Assoc 1993;71:3435.Google ScholarPubMed